General Advice

Shape of the Diamond: Top 10 Diamond Cuts

From cushion to round cuts, diamond shapes tend to have a big impact on the final look of the engagement ring. Additionally, the shape can also significantly impact its final retail price.

Diamonds often come in varying shapes. As you will see below, there are lots of choices to go with, which means you don’t have to resort to the classic, timeless round cut.

Two diamond wedding rings sitting in the center of a white satin cushion.
Photo by Sandy Torchon from Pexels

Diamond-Cut Vs. Diamond Shape

Even though diamond cut and diamond shape are terms that most people use interchangeably, the reality is that where diamonds are concerned, the terms are considered distinct.

For this reason, diamond shape refers to the external figure or outline of your diamond, e.g., cushion, round, or pear-shaped.

Diamond cut, on the other hand, refers to the reflective qualities of any given diamond. For instance, you can find a heart-shaped diamond that has been cut brilliant or dull, deep, or shallow.

Click to learn more about diamond shapes here. Pricescope diamond forum is a trusted and independent source of information on premier jewelry in general and diamond shapes and cuts in particular, helping you understand the differences between AGS and GIA certification.

Top 10 Diamond Cuts

1Heart-Shaped Diamonds

The heart-shaped diamond, when modified, has always been seen as a symbol of love. It is often found in rings and solitaire pendants. If looking for one, try to make sure it is at least .50 carats. Anything smaller than this becomes harder to perceive once a specialist sets it in prongs.

2Round-Shaped Diamonds

Of all diamond shapes, the round-shaped diamond is the most popular. It represents close to 75% of all diamond sales in the world. Experts consider it to be more superior to the other known fancy shapes due to the mechanics associated with its shape, e.g., light reflection.

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3Radiant-Cut Diamonds

Where rectangular shaped diamonds are concerned, the radiant cut happens to be one of a kind. This is because of its excellent cut facet pattern to its pavilion and crown.

4Princess-Cut Diamonds

This type of diamond came to being in 1980. It also happens to be the most popular of all fancy shaped diamonds, more so for those looking to buy engagement rings for their loved ones.

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5Asscher-Cut Diamonds

The Asscher Brothers of Holland invented this diamond in 1902. It is also considered to be a forerunner where the emerald cut is concerned. It shares a pattern with the emerald cut, although it comes in a square shape.

6Oval Diamonds

Given that this diamond is a modified version of the brilliant cut, it happens to share the same brilliance and fire as the brilliant-cut diamond. However, this diamond is more superior due to its elongated shape.

7Emerald-Cut Diamonds

The emerald cut diamond gets its unique look from its large and open table as well as pavilion. Rather than produce a sparkle like the brilliant cut, this particular diamond tends to produce an effect similar to the one created by a hall of mirrors.

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8Marquise Diamond

A marquise diamond features the shape of a football field and has a brilliant cut. The fact that the diamond also happens to be long and narrow means it’s in a position to create the illusion of size.

9Cushion-Cut Diamond

A cushion cut diamond combines rounded corners with a square cut, just like a pillow does. This is where it gets its name from. The cut is not only classic, but it has also been in existence for close to 200 years. The cushion cut diamond was, at one point, the most popular shape.

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10Pear-Shaped Diamonds

Pear-shaped diamonds not only have a brilliant cut, but they also happen to be a combination of a marquise shape and a round shape. One of its ends is tapered. A good pear-shaped diamond should ideally come with an excellent or above reproach symmetry.

Image showing various diamond cuts and shapes Image by Annalise Batista from Pixabay
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